Central Java Provincial Government Deploys Specialists to Treat Residents Affected by Smoke
The Central Java Provincial Government has deployed specialist doctors to examine the health of residents affected by smoke from the fire at the Putri Cempo landfill in Surakarta.
These free examination and treatment services target residents living near the fire site, particularly those experiencing respiratory issues, eye irritation, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problems. The Mobile Specialist Doctor Team (Speling) has been deployed to Mojosongo Village, Jebres District, located near the Putri Cempo landfill. Residents can directly undergo health checks and receive treatment from specialists.
Based on observations of the Speling service in Mojosongo Village on Saturday (5/9), several residents underwent health examinations. “There were several consultations involving sore throats, coughs, and shortness of breath,” said Dr Hartanto, a pulmonary specialist from RSUD Dr Moewardi Surakarta, at the location.
Dr Hartanto explained that short-term treatment for residents experiencing respiratory symptoms, such as respiratory tract infections, is provided on-site. If symptoms worsen, patients are immediately referred to a hospital for further medical attention.
Additionally, residents near the Putri Cempo landfill are being educated on temporary home-care measures, such as managing indoor air circulation while the fire continues. Recommendations include using air purifiers to filter the air or, if unavailable, closing windows to prevent smoke and dust from entering homes. “A second solution, whether leaving the house or staying indoors, is to wear medical masks,” he explained.
Fitri, a resident of Mojosongo Village, stated that symptoms of coughing, colds, and shortness of breath have been experienced by residents since the second day of the fire. Shortness of breath is particularly prevalent among the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. She noted that she and her toddler are already experiencing cough and cold symptoms.
Fitri expressed gratitude to the government for deploying the mobile specialist doctors to provide free examinations and medicine. This service is considered highly helpful given that the fire at the Putri Cempo landfill has not yet been fully extinguished.
Similarly, Sunarni noted that the health impacts being felt by residents include shortness of breath, especially among the elderly and those with respiratory diseases. She expressed hope that waste management at the Putri Cempo landfill could be improved in the future to prevent such fires from recurring.
After inspecting the Putri Cempo landfill, the Governor of Central Java, Ahmad Luthfi, also personally checked the Speling services near the site. He instructed doctors from RSUD dr Moewardi Surakarta to focus their examinations on lung and respiratory health. “Focus the examinations on the lungs and respiratory system; ensure all members of the community are well-served,” Ahmad Luthfi told the medical personnel.
Luthfi explained that protecting residents is a priority in managing the Putri Cempo landfill fire. The Speling services from RSUD dr Moewardi Surakarta and RSJD Arief Zainuddin Surakarta have been deployed, and health officers are on standby around the landfill 24 hours a day.
“Our mobile specialists have been deployed. The Ministry of Environment has also deployed vehicles to check air quality. We do not want the implications of this fire to impact the surrounding community,” he said after inspecting the fire site.